Risk factors for breast cancer

Anything that can increase the risk of developing a disease is considered a risk factor . As research has indicated women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer.

The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown. Doctors can seldom explain why one woman may develop breast cancer , but another does not. What is known is that the bruises , bumps or touching the breast does not cause cancer . Breast cancer is not contagious. It is not ” caught ” from others.

There have been studies that have found some risk factors for breast cancer . Among these risk factors are the age of a woman, a personal or family history of breast cancer, breast changes , changes in their genes and menstrual history. Other risk factors for breast cancer include a woman’s career , if she has had chest radiation , and breast density . Other factors for breast cancer include taking diethylstilbestrol (DES ), the after menopause , physical inactivity , and overweight or obese drink .

Breast cancer is uncommon in women before menopause . As women age, their chances of developing breast cancer may increase. The occurrence of breast cancer is higher in women older than 60 years.

The risk of a woman developing breast cancer is higher if her mother , sister or daughter has a history of disease. If a family member developed breast cancer before age 40, the risk is even greater for a woman developing breast cancer. Other relatives with breast or mother or father of the family cancer can also put a woman at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Personal history of breast cancer may also increase the risk of a woman. If a woman has had breast cancer in one breast the risk of breast cancer in the other breast augmentation .

Changes in the breasts of a woman can put a woman at risk for breast cancer. The cells in the breast of a woman may look abnormal under a microscope. Abnormal cells as atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ ( LCIS or ) increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Changes in a woman whose genes BRCA1, BRCA2, and others may increase the risk of breast cancer. Testing of family members who are known to have breast cancer may reveal the presence of specific genetic changes in family members . To improve the detection of this disease in women who have these changes in their genes providers of health care may be able to suggest ways to try to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The menstrual cycle and reproduction of a woman can put a woman at risk for breast cancer. Women who started menstruating before age 12 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman is when she had her first child . A woman in menopause after 55 years of their places of higher risk for breast cancer . If a woman has never had children , she is at an increased risk of breast cancer. Taking hormone therapy for menopause estrogen and progestin after menopause appear to increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown no link between miscarriage or abortion and the risk of breast cancer.

Race is another risk factor for breast cancer . Caucasian women are more likely than Latino , African or Asian American women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Radiation hits chest like breast , before the woman is 30 years is another known risk factor for breast cancer . Studies show that the younger a woman’s age when she received radiation treatment increased the risk of breast cancer in later life.

The tissue of the female breast is either dense or fatty . Puts them at greater risk of breast cancer are older women whose mammograms or chest radiographs reveal a denser tissue.

Diethylstilbestrol , also known as DES, was given to some pregnant women in the United States during the 1940s until 1971. Is no longer given to pregnant women . Taking DES during pregnancy may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Possible effects on women , girls who were given DES during pregnancy are still under study .

A woman of being overweight or obese after menopause may increase the risk of breast cancer of women in development. Studies have shown that increases risk for postmenopausal women who are overweight.

A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to breast cancer risk . If a woman is active, you can prevent weight gain and obesity, and therefore reduce the chances of breast cancer.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. Studies show the more alcohol a woman drinks increased risk of breast cancer.

Researchers are studying other possible risk factors for breast cancer. Currently being considered are the effect of diet , genetics , physical activity , and certain environmental substances increasing risk of breast cancer.

Avoid known risk factors for breast cancer can help women protect themselves against breast cancer . Risk factors for breast cancer such as family history, can not be avoided . These should be discussed with your doctor.

Most women who have known risk factors do not have breast cancer. Many women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Most women with breast cancer have no clear sign of risk factors other than age.

If a woman thinks she is at risk for breast cancer should discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways you can reduce your risk. At risk or not , women should schedule regular checkups with your health care provider . Prevention is the best cure.